Swami Narayan Hinduism and some questions. (ritual, incarnation, translation, disciples)

[celina]

Originally Posted by Hema

If a man should not have a woman for a guru then women should not have men as their gurus then? Don't tell me that women are not attracted to male gurus. Once I wnet to a Yagna when I was about sixteen and my friend who was with me kept raving about how cute the Pundit was!

That's exactly what he said dear, you should re-read his previous post. Not everthing has to be some sexist/chauvinistic anti-women issue. As far as you consider a pundit cute, you basically proved our point about gender seperation in temple. You shouldn't go to temple to socialize and check out guys, it's completely immoral and disrespectful to God. Temple is about connecting to God, taking darshan and absorbing God's presence. Everything else can be done outside temple. If you learn anything about the Swaminarayan faith, you should learn about what Lord Swaminarayan did for women in 18th centuary India. Read this link: Bhagwan Swaminarayan's Life: Biography - Uplift of Women

In the Swaminarayan faith morality and more specifically sexual morality is important. It's important to conduct you self with the utmost dignity and not participate anything that can corrupt you following the right path. Males and females have equally important roles to fulfill. There's a women's wing of BAPS and they carry out activities for young girls and women in other age groups, women are not left out or underminded by any means. If anything seperation the sexes, give women an opportunity to run there own lives and institutions, women become there own preacher(sadhvis), they teach other women about religious matters. We're our own doctors and caregivers, seperation of the sexes can be a liberation circumstance.

Activities of BAPS - Women's Wing


Another Swaminarayan Sect Yogi Divine Society - Women's Group
Yogi Divine Society

Shree Swaminarayan Women Sector
The Original || Shree Swaminarayan Sampraday || - Female Satsang


Women are well represented in all Swaminarayan sects.

[celina]

Another Note. A big women's day celebration and event is coming up on Dec. 14 2007

14 DECEMBER
BAPS WOMEN’S DAY
“EMPOWERING WOMEN”

BAPS Women’s Activities have helped women empower themselves and others to lead lives centred on spiritual values and to reach the pinnacles of success.
From as young as five to as old as 75, more than 1,300 women from around the world will come together to present:

• Traditional Prayers: More than 100 young girls will offer prayers and more than 900 young women will present a series of colourful folk dances to show the values of devotion, faith and unity BAPS has kindled in the lives of young women.
• Personal Experiences: Vivid testimonials and historical skits will highlight values, achievements and success stories to show women’s essential role in BAPS and the great heights BAPS women, young and old, have scaled.
• Inspiring Presentations: Captivating video shows and speeches will portray BAPS women contributing to society by serving as ideal mothers, noble citizens and honourable devotees.

News of BAPS - BAPS Centenary Celebration - Media Info

[Hema]

Originally Posted by celina

That's exactly what he said dear, you should re-read his previous post. Not everthing has to be some sexist/chauvinistic anti-women issue. As far as you consider a pundit cute, you basically proved our point about gender seperation in temple. You shouldn't go to temple to socialize and check out guys, it's completely immoral and disrespectful to God.

I never considered the Pundit cute. It was my friend. Plus that was when I was sixteen. There's only one guy that I do check out when I go now nd that's my husband. Honestly I prefer to sit next to my husband when I go to Temple to pray but that is just my preference.

[Don Penguinoini]

Your one in a million, you really are

[mahesh]

No she is not one in a million. There are many who prefer to wprship this way. But truth is when the soul leaves the husband, son, daughter, wife, parent etc will not assist you.

But if you pray togetehr as a family and feel that you can attacth yourself to God that way then so be it. But you would be the majority of the population who wouldnt be attracted to teh opposite gender. The majority would be affected as this is human nature. For instant take a look at the Navratri festivities these days. Its more aboutattratcing the opposite sex which brings in other innemies such as Kaam, krodh and Maan etc.

[mahesh]

Are there female renunciates in BAPS? As in the Sampraday established by Swaminarayan Bhagwan there are female renunciates called Sankyogi Bai. Swaminarayan Bhagwan established such a way of life for them with their own prescribed rules. They get their diksha/initiation from the Acharyas wife as declared by God.

[celina]

Originally Posted by Hema

I never considered the Pundit cute. It was my friend. Plus that was when I was sixteen. There's only one guy that I do check out when I go now nd that's my husband. Honestly I prefer to sit next to my husband when I go to Temple to pray but that is just my preference.

can you read and answer the rest of my post, since I answered all your questions, thanks!

The way you prefer to worship is fine, your not a swaminarayan satsangi, so you are not obligated to follow any rules about our faith. So by proxy, not obligated to complain. So this issue shouldn't matter to any non-swaminarayan devotee.

[Don Penguinoini]

No, but she should be allowed to question it.

[mahesh]

Sure she can quest she questioned and she got her answer.